UFC 200: Mark Hunt Believes Brock Lesnar is “Juiced to The Gills”

Recently it was reported that Brock Lesnar will not be held to the UFC’s four month, notification policy for drug testing, and is Mark Hunt happy about it? No. No he isn’t.

Typically fighters who are coming out of retirement must give the UFC and USADA four months notice in advance of their return, so they can be thoroughly tested in advance. The UFC, however, does have an exemption clause “exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an athlete.”

Well, since Lesnar is fighting Hunt at UFC 200 on July 9th, and because the fight only recently came together, the policy has been waved. The feared slugger was asked for his take on the situation, while talking to FOX Sports Australia recently, and here’s some of what Mr. Hunt had to say:

“I don’t think that’s fair. I think it’s load of bulls***, I think it’s rubbish,” Hunt said. “I don’t think anyone should be exempt from testing. If they’re trying to clean the sport up — mixed martial arts — this is a bad way to do it. I don’t care who you are. It’s ridiculous.

“I don’t think it’s a great move. I think he’s juiced to the gills — and I still think I’m going to knock him out…”

There you have it. Hunt has been a vocal critic regarding the issue of PEDs, so it’s not too surprising to hear that he has this take on the situation. Others have also expressed frustration at the UFC’s decision.

The UFC, however, recently released this statement, when it’s decision was reported by Yahoo Sports:

On June 6, 2016, UFC heavyweight Brock Lesnar was registered by USADA into the UFC Anti-Doping Policy testing pool. As part of the UFC Anti-Doping Policy, UFC may grant a former athlete an exemption to the four-month written notice rules in exceptional circumstances or where the strict application of that rule would be manifestly unfair to an athlete. Given Lesnar last competed in UFC on December 30, 2011, long before the UFC Anti-Doping Policy went into effect, for purposes of the Anti-Doping Policy, he is being treated similarly to a new athlete coming into the organization.

“While conversations with the heavyweight have been ongoing for some time, Lesnar required permission from WWE to compete in UFC 200 and only agreed to terms and signed a bout agreement last Friday. He was therefore unable to officially start the Anti-Doping Policy process any earlier. UFC, however, did notify Lesnar in the early stages of discussions that if he were to sign with the UFC, he would be subject to all of the anti-doping rules. Lesnar and his management have now been formally educated by USADA on the policy, procedures and expectations.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Hunt’s comments above sparks some pre-fight drama between him and Lesnar. The former heavyweight champ will be fighting for the first time at UFC 200 since 2011, when he was stopped by Alistair Overeem.

It’s going to be one crazy night…UFC 200 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.